Fred's Place - The Place To Meet Old Coast Guard Shipmates

Welcome Aboard The CGC Rush

Sailing on a Historic Voyage

We join the crew of the Cutter Rush as they set sail in support of the North Pacific Coast Guard Forum.

We look forward to sailing with the Captain, Officers and Crew of Cutter Rush through weekly updates so keep checking-in and we'll "be there".

All photos are official Coast Guard photos by OS1 Peni H. Motu and ETC Christopher Smith.

Coast Guard Cutter Rush, homeported in Honolulu, HI

Ahoy! It is Week Two and ...

The fog around the Japanese coastline welcomed the Monday morning as everyone made preparations to pull into Yokohama, Japan. It's been a busy and successful transit filled with Damage Control Rodeos, Shipboard Drills and countless time zone changes. Months of hard work and planning will all begin to pay off as we make our first stop of what will be a long and rewarding professional exchange this patrol.

The long transit into Yokohama harbor proved the magnitude of Japan's largest port. The multitude of vessels in the harbor resembled a busy highway and ships made their way through the sound. With its shiny white hull and bright red stripe, RUSH stood out like a sore thumb amongst the local fishing fleet and dark container vessels. Many ships greeted us on our way in and the Japan Coast Guard provided a welcoming escort towards the pier. We passed under the Yokohama Bay Bridge and was greeted with waves from the Bridge Control Tower as we made our way to the Maritime Disaster Pier, home of the Japan Coast Guard Third Regional Fleet.

As we set the special sea detail, we cast over the ship's traditional lei over our bow and members of Team RUSH manned the rails in the Service Dress Bravo uniforms to render honors to Japan Coast Guard Officials. Making our way to the pier, we heard the familiar score of "Semper Paratus" as the Japan Coast Guard Band welcomed us in with our service anthem. Officials from the Japan Coast Guard, including the Command delegation from our host ship ESAN, provided a warm welcome as we moored.

Yokohama is Japan's second largest metropolis, and with good favor. Its modern architecture mixed in with traditional Japanese design make for a warm and hospitable environment.

During our stay, we were invited to a reception hosted by our host ship ESAN. The even kicked off with a ceremonial ritual between both the Commanding Officers of RUSH and ESAN. We were treated to traditional Japanese cuisine while being entertained with cultural displays including a Japanese samurai exhibition. It was a fun and motivating experience had by all who attended.

Friday night was filled with joy and splendor as RUSH hosted a reception on board with guests from the Japan Coast Guard and other U.S. Military installations. Our Food Service Division presented their award-winning appetizers and desserts, including an official cake commemorating the working relationship between the Japan Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard. Team RUSH also hosted many tours of the ship with demonstrations at various stations. Hosted by RADM McClelland, the reception was praised by many who attended.

Next up: The Annual Japan Coast Guard Sea Review and Comprehensive Drill. Saturday and Sunday finds RUSH underway participating in this spectacular array of the Japan Coast Guard's outstanding capabilities. Join us again for another exciting chapter in RUSH's Asian Engagement.